Western Diocese News

Catholicos of All Armenians and the First Lady Visit “Mer Hooys” Nakashian Children’s Home

Communications Department — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

On May 15, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan, First Lady of the Republic of Armenia; visited the "Mer Hooys" Nakashian Children's Home. His Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; His Eminence Archbishop Natan Hovhannisyan, Head of the Monastic Council of the Catholicosate of All Armenians an Director of the Publishing Department of the Mother See; and Mrs. Hasmik Boghosyan, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Armenia.

Under the sponsorship of the "Our Hope" Armenian charitable organization of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in USA and individual benefactors, 15 teenagers from socially disadvantaged families, ranging in age from 13 to 16, are now being hosted in the center, where they receive professional guidance and social assistance. During the visit, the Catholicos of All Armenians and the First Lady of the Republic of Armenia were accompanied by Mr. Mihran Mirijanyan, Director of the Center, who gave them a guided tour of the center, and provided information on the program and living conditions for the children. His Holiness and Mrs. Sargsyan met the young members of the center who talked about their daily routine and goals. After an earnest exchange, the teens presented an artistic performance where they sang national and religious songs and recited their own poems. Expressing his appreciation to the First Lady for visiting the Nakashian Children’s Home, His Holiness noted that her much anticipated visit brought joy to the children and that Mrs. Sargsyan’s warmth and love would always remain imprinted on their hearts. At the end of the visit Mrs. Sargsyan presented gifts to all the teens, speaking with each one of them individually. His Holiness and the First Lady then visited the Arabkir Youth Center which was nearby, where Father Komitas Hovnanyan, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Director of the Armenian Church Youth Centers, presented the activities of the youth centers, which are under the sponsorship of the Mother See and the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The students of the youth center welcomed the Catholicos of All Armenians and the First Lady of the Republic of Armenia, performing national dances. In his remarks, the Primate stated that while on his second visit to “Mer Hooys” Nakashian Home, he was inspired by the artistic talent and the creativity of the children.

Under the sponsorship of the "Our Hope" Armenian charitable organization of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in USA and individual benefactors, 15 teenagers from socially disadvantaged families, ranging in age from 13 to 16, are now being hosted in the center, where they receive professional guidance and social assistance.

During the visit, the Catholicos of All Armenians and the First Lady of the Republic of Armenia were accompanied by Mr. Mihran Mirijanyan, Director of the Center, who gave them a guided tour of the center, and provided information on the program and living conditions for the children.

His Holiness and Mrs. Sargsyan met the young members of the center who talked about their daily routine and goals. After an earnest exchange, the teens presented an artistic performance where they sang national and religious songs and recited their own poems.

Expressing his appreciation to the First Lady for visiting the Nakashian Children’s Home, His Holiness noted that her much anticipated visit brought joy to the children and that Mrs. Sargsyan’s warmth and love would always remain imprinted on their hearts.

At the end of the visit Mrs. Sargsyan presented gifts to all the teens, speaking with each one of them individually.

His Holiness and the First Lady then visited the Arabkir Youth Center which was nearby, where Father Komitas Hovnanyan, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Director of the Armenian Church Youth Centers, presented the activities of the youth centers, which are under the sponsorship of the Mother See and the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The students of the youth center welcomed the Catholicos of All Armenians and the First Lady of the Republic of Armenia, performing national dances.

In his remarks, the Primate stated that while on his second visit to “Mer Hooys” Nakashian Home, he was inspired by the artistic talent and the creativity of the children.

St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Parish Celebrates 10th Anniversary and Cathedral Pastor’s 5th Anniversary of Ordination

Communications Department — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

A capacity crowd filled the Arbat Banquet Hall in Burbank on the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2013 to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary Banquet of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Parish and to honor Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan on the occasion of his 5^th Anniversary of ordination and consecration in to the Priesthood.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, expressed his pride and joy in the progress, growth and development of the Burbank Parish Council, stating, “We have witnessed the love of Christ, our Lord spreading within the community as a result of the collective efforts of the Burbank Parish (presently St. Leon Armenian Cathedral). I wholeheartedly thank each and every one of you for your affectionate service to spreading the light of Christ’s Gospel in the community for the last ten years. By the Grace of the Almighty, we look forward to expanding our horizons for the glory of God.” His Eminence thanked the members of all organizations and auxiliary bodies of the parish for uniting and acting as “One Body of Christ.”

His Eminence congratulated Fr. Khajag for his dedication, wisdom and spiritual guidance in serving the Armenian Cathedral and the Burbank/Cathedral Parish.

The Primate expressed his thanks and appreciation to Norik Grigorian, Chairman of the Burbank Parish Council, for his effective leadership, untiring efforts, support and maintenance of the Burbank Parish. He extended his gratitude to Andre Shamalian, Chair of the Annual Banquette Committee, along with the committee members, for their teamwork, talent and ability in planning this most successful event.

A special commemorative booklet as a memory of ten years of accomplishment and achievements of the Burbank Parish was printed on the auspicious occasion.

Guests enjoyed a festive dinner, followed by an evening of dancing. Entertainment was provided by the beautiful singing of the accomplished soloist Edvin Petrosyan.

Western Diocese Hosts Luncheon Reception in Honor of Armenian Patriarchal General Vicar of Constantinople

Communications Department — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

On May 22, 2013, Armenian Patriarchal General Vicar of Constantinople H.E. Archbishop Aram Ateshian, accompanied by H.G. Sahag Mashalian visited the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California.

Welcomed by the Primate, the guest clergymen met with Archbishop Derderian at the Primate’s Reception Room for light refreshments.

At noon, a formal reception sponsored by Diocesan benefactor Antranik Zorayan was held in honor of the Patriarchal Vicar at the Hampar Family Reception Room. Close to 30 guests including Diocesan clergy, Priesthood-Candidates and community leaders were in attendance. The Invocation was offered by Archbishop Ateshian.

On behalf of the Diocesan Council, the clergy, and the entire faithful, the Primate extended his welcoming remarks to Archbishop Ateshian and Bishop Mashalian. The Primate fondly reflected on the Patriarchal Vicar’s steadfast leadership at the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople and his active participation in meetings held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Archbishop Derderian also commended the invaluable contributions of His Grace Bishop Sahag Mashalian, the former dean of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary (2007-2010).

In his introductory remarks, Archbishop Ateshian spoke about his religious educational background including his years at the Holy Cross School of Constantinople and his studies at the Jarangavoratz Theological Seminary at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

He recalled his ordination and consecration into the Sacred Order of the Priesthood in 1976 when he was ordained as a celibate priest by then Patriarch of Constantinople, Archbishop Shnork Kaloustian, and given the priestly name of Aram.

Archbishop Ateshian fondly recalled his consecration as a Bishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church in 1999 by the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II. He further noted that due to the ailing health of Patriarch Mesrob Mutafian, he was elected as Patriarchal General Vicar.

Archbishop Ateshian briefed the guests about matters related to Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, the churches and the faithful community. The Patriarchal General Vicar also answered questions from the guests.

As a token of his appreciation, the Primate thanked the guest clergymen for their cordial visit and presented Archbishop Ateshian with a commemorative souvenir plate. His Eminence thanked Diocesan Benefactor Antranik Zorayan for sponsoring the luncheon reception.

In turn, the Patriarchal Vicar expressed his gratitude to the Primate for the warm welcome and the reception.

The luncheon concluded with a memorable group photo was taken at the Turpanjian Plaza of the Western Diocese.

36th Name Day Celebration of St. John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego

Communications Department — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

On Sunday, May 19, 2013, St. John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego celebrated its 36^th Name Day. The day’s celebrant and homilist was the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian. The service was presided by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian.

Following the service, a banquet was held at the church hall. Guests enjoyed a delightful cultural and artistic program which included prayers and recitation by the Sunday School and Armenian School Students, anniversary remarks by the Parish Priest Archpriest Fr. Datev Tatoulian, musical performances and a cake-cutting ceremony. On behalf of the Primate, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian presented the “Parishioner of the Year” award to Claudia Der-Martirosian and Andre Shammasian. Diocesan Hye Spirit Awards were presented to Bruce and Leah Santourian and George Kirazian.

St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem Hosts 36th Annual Armenian Food Festival

Communications Department — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

The St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Yettem held their 36th Annual Armenian Food Festival on Thursday, May 16, 2013. The event took place at the Visalia Veteran's Memorial Building located in downtown Visalia which is about fifteen miles from the church.

The menu consisted of lule kebab, rice pilaf, salad, bourma and beverages. Baked goods and yalanchi sarma were also made available for sale. Tickets were sold for $12 per person. Lunch was served from 11 AM to 2 PM and dinner was between 5 PM and 8 PM.

General Chairman Jim Soxman reported that approximately 1350 meals were served during the day's event. About 75 parishioners help to make this major fundraiser happen each year for the Yettem parish. Originally this event was begun as a "Merchant's Luncheon" designed to bring outside dollars in to support the operating budget of the church. Today the event has grown to a lunch and dinner that is attended by a wide spectrum of those living and working in the areas surrounding Yettem.

If you would like more information about how this event operates, you can email Jim Soxman at foodfestival@stmaryyettem.org.

Dr. Varoujan Altebarmakian Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

Communications Department — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

It is with great pride that the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America announce that Dr. Varoujan Altebarmakian, noted leader in the health care industry and a devoted servant of the Western Diocese, was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in ceremonies held on Ellis Island on May 11, 2013.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, stated “This is a well deserved tribute to someone who has contributed to America through his personal and professional life, while honoring and retaining his Armenian heritage. We join with the Armenian faithful in extending our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Altebarmakian and his family.”

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor was founded by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations and intended to pay homage to the immigrant experience. The honorees are said to “exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage.” The Medals of Honor celebrate the diversity of American life, honoring not only individuals, but the pluralism and democracy that have enabled ancestry groups to maintain their identities while becoming integral parts of the American Way of Life.

Dr. Altebarmakian has had a distinguished career in the field of medicine and health care industry. He was elected as the Physician-in-Chief of the Fresno Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in 1991 and in 2011 was re-elected for a third six year term. Dr. Altebarmakian has helped promote assistance to the underserved within Fresno through community benefit programs.

Dr. Altebarmakian has made significant community contributions in the United States, most notably as a servant of God in the Armenian Apostolic Church. He has been a Deacon of the Armenian Apostolic Church since 1985. He has served as a member of St. James Armenian Church Parish Council in Sacramento and as a member of St. Paul Armenian Church Parish Council in Fresno. He has demonstrated leadership with his service as a member of the Diocesan Council of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church for twelve years, most of that time as its Chairman. His community contributions in Armenia include his service as a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council of Armenian Church; and as a member of the Board of Directors of Mer Hooys, a California non-profit organization to assist young female adults in Armenia to break the cycle of dependency.

Dr. Altebarmakian is well known for his contributions to the American community which includes service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Fresno Philharmonic; member of the Fresno Rotary Club; and member of the Board of Directors of the Fresno Business Council. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Armenian School in Fresno; a member of the Advisory Board of Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State University and a member of the Knights of Vartan, Yeprad Lodge.

Approximately 100 Medalists are honored each year. Past Medalists include six Presidents, as well as Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the arts, sports and government. This year nine recipients, including Dr. Altebarmakian, were of Armenian descent. The recipients were Shoghag Hovanessian from New Jersey; Hratch Kaprielian from New Jersey; Aso Tavitian from New York; Dertad Manguikian, M.D. from Virginia; Hon. Gregory Melikian from Arizona; Silvia Tchakmakjian from Los Angeles; Vahe Yacoubian, M.D. from Glendale; and Ara Kevork Karajerjian from Glendale.

Priesthood-Candidate Dn. Sarkis Alanjian Graduates from St. John’s Seminary

Communications Department — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

With the blessings of the Primate, Diocesan Priesthood-Candidate Dn. Sarkis Alanjian had been attending St. John’s Seminary in Camarrillo for the past three years. Deacon Alanjian graduated from St. John’s Seminary last week marking a new milestone in his life of service to the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The graduation ceremony, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Jose Gomez, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was held on May 16, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Seminary Chapel.

Representing the Primate at the graduation ceremony was The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian. Dn. Alanjian’s family members, Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Archpriest Fr. Kevork Arakelian, his Yeretzgin Sandra, son Stephen, members of the Stewardship Committee Derek Ghookasian, Aida Sethian and Margaret Lulejian were also in attendance. They congratulated the graduate and wished him well in his continued service in the Armenian Apostolic Church.

As a graduate of St. John’s Seminary, Deacon Sarkis Alanjian received his Master of Arts in Divinity diploma.

New Church Consecrated in Abovyan, Armenia

Communications Department — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

On Tuesday, May 14, 2013, Sourp Hovhaness Mgrditch (St. John the Baptist) Church was consecrated in the city of Abovyan, in Armenia’s Kotayk region, by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The service was held before distinguished clergy and government officials as well as local residents.

Attending were Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan as well as the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, visiting Armenia also took part in the ceremony. While in Armenia, the Primate also participated in the Supreme Spiritual Council Meeting.

Following the consecration, Archbishop Arakel Karamyan, Primate of the Kotayk diocese, celebrated the inaugural Divine Liturgy on the altar of the new Sourp Hovhaness Mgrditch (St. John the Baptist) Church.

The architect of Sourp Hovhannes Mgrditch of worship is Artak Ghoulyan. Construction took seven years, and was made possible by benefactor Gagik Tsarukyan.

Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley Ladies Society Mother’s Day Celebration Banquet

Communications Department — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

What a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day other than to honor and show our appreciation to them. We believe that mothers are the most treasured gifts given to us from God. Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of Western Diocese, the Ladies Society of Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley had organized a banquet on May 10, 2013 in the church hall to honor all mothers and specifically, Diramayr Mrs. Janet Derderian and two mothers from Crescenta Valley Church.

The congregants were honored to greet the Primate and Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian who had attended the banquet. More than 150 guests were in attendance. With their families, the mothers enjoyed cocktails in the hall patio and relaxed to the mellow tunes of violinist Meruzhan Margaryan.

The Master of Ceremonies was Mrs. Nune Avetisyan. The energetic young Parish Priest the Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian opened the program with the Lord’s Prayer after which he stressed that we should not only love and honor our mothers but we also need to hold them up high for they are gifts from God.

Mrs. Avetisyan recited Havhaness Shiraz’s poetic pieces dedicated to mothers after which she invited Ladies Society Chair Lena Simonian for her welcoming remarks. Mrs. Simonian stressed the fact that, throughout our history, the Armenian Mother has not only been the exemplary figure to instill spiritual, moral and national values and virtues, but at the most critical times in history she has always had strong attitude to protect and preserve our ancestral Christian faith and our Armenian identity.

The evening’s banquet was dedicated to Diramayr Mrs. Janet Derderain who had devoted all her life to her family, community and church. Two mothers from Crescenta Church, Mrs. Edelina Chorbajian and Mrs. Nazeli Yazlian, were also honored for their strong Christian faith and dedication to this church along with their children and grandchildren. On behalf of the Ladies Society, Mrs. Linda Stepanian presented Yeretsgin Armine with a beautiful painting of a mother holding her child.

The guests enjoyed the musical performance by Soloist Mrs. Mannik Manukyan who really deserved a big applause. Finally, Mrs. Avetisyan recited Paruyr Sevak’s moving and inspirational poem “A Mother’s Hands.”

In his closing remarks, the Primate reflected mothers as gifts from God. “God has blessed us as with a mother’s tender touch and her passionate heart,” said His Eminence. He congratulated all mothers and thanked Crescenta Valley Church for honoring his mother.

The event left a lasting impression on the faithful who went home with new hopes and inspirations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Communications Department — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

The Office of the Western Diocese presents a list of upcoming Diocesan events in the months of May, June and July.

Camp Family Day (May 18 – 11AM-4PM)

Family Day is a wonderful opportunity to visit the Camp property and see what we are all about. It is open to everyone from those that have never attended our Camp before to those that miss camp and can’t wait until the summer to return. On Family Day, we will have a full day planned including lunch, a tour of the property, arts and crafts, sports activities, and even a campfire!

We know it can be difficult to send your child away for a week of camp, both for the parent and the child, that is why Family Day is the perfect opportunity to see the facility (cabins, bathrooms, kitchen, lake, etc.) to become more comfortable with our program. We promise, after Family Day at Camp, everyone will leave excited to return!

If you just miss Camp and are eager to visit, come on up! Since the day is geared toward NEW families, we ask that you be available to share your experiences and be part of the Family Day program as well as hang out and enjoy camp in the springtime!

So mark your calendars! It will be a day of fun at the Camp property and a great opportunity for NEW campers and families to see our Camp and learn about us, so please join us and spread the word!

Schedule of the Day

11:00am – 11:30am	Registration
11:30am – 12:00pm	Welcome/Orientation
12:00pm – 1:45pm	Lunch and Tour
2:00pm – 3:00pm	Q&A for Parents/Free Time
3:00pm – 3:15pm	Num-nums
3:15pm – 4:00pm	Campfire

Click here to register.

ACYO Sports Weekend 2013 (May 24-26)

This year the ACYO Central Council will be hosting Sports Weekend (May 24-26) as a fundraising event. We will be donating half our proceeds to the Church Youth Mission to Armenia service project to help construct a multipurpose youth center in Tsovinar village in Martuni region, Armenia. The center will offer after school and daytime services for children to have a place to gather, along with educational classes so that they have a place where they can flourish and become successful people within their community.

At times we take for granted the opportunities that are so easily available here in the United States, and as the youth of the Armenian Diaspora we have a responsibility to help our brothers and sisters receive those same opportunities.

We ask you to please help us in our cause by making a donation toward Sports Weekend so that together we can help make a difference. Any amount is greatly appreciated. A donation of $100 will receive a half page ad and a $200 donation will receive a full page in our Sports Weekend Awards Banquet Booklet.

Please email your message or ad to acyowd@gmail.com by May 16, 2013.

Donations can be made through our online Sports Weekend website:

http://sportsweekend2013.eventzilla.net

Thank you for your consideration. Please feel free to contact Central Council representative, Nora Barin at (714) 292-7149 or email her at norabarin@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

ACYO-WD Central Council

Camp Retreat and Pilgrimage (June 7-8)

On June 7, 2013, close to 40 pilgrims will to take part in one-of-a-kind retreat at the Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Summer Camp in Dunlap, California. Organized by the Christian Study Courses Committee, the scenic site will feature lectures and presentations by Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Pastor of the Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley; Hayk Madoyan, Librarian and Ecumenical Officer of the Western Diocese; Vahe Sargsyan, Director of the TV/Media Department and Mashdots Jobanian, Director of Religious Education Department.

On the following day, the group will travel to St. Mary Armenian Church in the nearby town of Yettem and will participate in the solemn celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

Abp. Vatche Hovsepian Summer Camp Dedication (July 15)

Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian was instrumental in the acquisition of Hye Camp as he oversaw the purchase of the 160 acre land in 1987. The scenic location in Dunlap, California attracts over 600 young campers who spend four weeks at camp developing their relationship with God, taking classes, competing in sports, renewing old friendships and making new ones.

At the Stewardship Luncheon on January 20, 2013, the Primate officially announced that the Armenian Summer Camp will be named after Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the lives of those who witnessed the beauty and the natural setting of God's creation.

On July 15, 2013, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, with the participation of Diocesan clergy, will preside over the dedication ceremony of the Abp. Vatche Hovsepian Summer Camp at the campgrounds.

We are pleased to inform that initial planning phase of the construction of a Chapel at the campgrounds has begun. The chapel (dedicated in memory of the late Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem H.B. Abp. Torkom Manoogian) will be the site of religious events including the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, giving the campers the opportunity to strengthen their spiritual lives while enjoying the camp’s scenic and natural setting. With a capacity of 150 people, below is an architectural rendering of the future Chapel.